IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No.7228 of 2026 Decided on: 11th May, 2026 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vidya Chauhan …..Petitioner Versus State of H.P. and others .....Respondents ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coram Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua Whether approved for reporting?1 For the Petitioner: Mr. Onkar Jairath, Mr. Piyush Mehta and Mr. Anshul Jairath, Advocates. For the Respondents: Mr. Anup Rattan, Advocate General with Mr. L.N. Sharma, Additional Advocate General, for respondents No.1 and 3 to 7-State. Mr. Surender Sharma, Advocate, for respondent No.2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge This writ petition has been filed for the grant of following substantive relief:- “A) That this Hon’ble Court may kindly be pleased to issue a writ in the nature of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction, directing the Respondents to permit the Petitioner to contest the election for the post of Pradhan in Gram Panchayat Gumma, Tehsil Kotkhai, District Shimla on the basis of the eligibility/qualification existing on the date of commencement of the election process dated 29.04.2026, and not to reject/cancel her nomination on 1Whether reporters of print and electronic media may be allowed to see the order? Yes. 2 the basis of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 (Annexure P-4), which was issued subsequently after commencement of the election process.” 2. During hearing of the case, it was apprised by learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner has filed her nomination for the ensuing elections to Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Institutions as notified by respondent No.2-H.P. State Election Commission on 29.04.2026. Petitioner apprehends that her nomination will be rejected by the respondents on account of faulty interpretation of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026. 3. The writ petition is based upon pure apprehensions and is premature at this stage. It is for the petitioner to seek appropriate remedy in accordance with law as and when the cause of action, if any, arises to her. With these observations, the present writ petition to stand disposed of. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, also stand disposed of. Jyotsna Rewal Dua May 11, 2026 Judge Mukesh